Jacoby Ellsbury exits with hip injury

Just when there’s a ray of hope for the Yankees, misfortune finds them again.

On the same day that CC Sabathia, a pleasant surprise, was placed on the DL, center fielder Jacoby Ellsbury left Friday’s game against the Red Sox with a tight right hip in the top of the first inning and was replaced in the outfield by Dustin Ackley. He is set to undergo an MRI.

Ellsbury had stolen second base without a throw after a leadoff walk, and appeared to tweak his hip after stealing third and thinking of heading home on a passed ball. He rounded the bag, took four or five steps, then headed back and bent over in discomfort. He lightly jogged home on a Brian McCann double, and immediately went to the clubhouse.

In addition to Ellsbury and Sabathia, Alex Rodriguez was recently placed on the 15-day DL with what Joe Girardi called a Grade “one-plus” groin strain that should keep him out at least a few weeks. Ben Gamel was called up to help in the outfield, and Aaron Judge could soon be on his way should Ellsbury be shelved.